Lib Dems back Fairtrade in Hounslow

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 23rd Oct 2005

Instant Coffee is one of many products that is now available 'Fairtrade' certified

Satnam Kaur Khalsa (Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Feltham & Heston), who has a long standing interest in Fairtrade, became one of the first politicians in Hounslow to turn rhetoric on Fairtrade into action when she attended a recent event in Islington on how to establish a Fairtrade Borough.

"I was delighted to see a representative from the Hounslow Council at the recent event in Islington held by the Fairtrade Foundation," says Satnam Kaur Khalsa, who is a Fairtrade campaigner in Hounslow. Satnam was last out promoting Fairtrade at the Brentford Festival in early September where she ran a Fairtrade stall.

Satnam added:

"With the backing of our local MPs amongst many others, it looks likely that Hounslow will soon become a Fairtrade Borough."

Cllr John Howliston (Bedfont Ward) has also given the campaign for a Fairtrade Hounslow his backing.

There are five goals to achieve Fairtrade Borough status:

1. The Council must pass a resolution supporting Fairtrade, and serve Fairtrade coffee and tea at its meetings and in offices and canteens. A report will go to the Executive at the beginning of November and can be supported by the public by contacting Paul Kennelly, the Council officer responsible.

2. A range of Fairtrade products must be readily available in the area's shops and served in local cafés and catering establishments (targets are set in relation to population).

3. Fairtrade products must be used by a number of local workplaces (estate agents, hairdressers etc) and community organisations (churches, schools etc).

4. The council must attract popular support for the campaign.

5. A local Fairtrade steering group must be convened to ensure continued commitment to Fairtrade Borough status.

There has been a good support from the residents of Hounslow so far. However, it is important that this support is structured and evident to the Fairtrade Foundation. Anybody interested in this campaign and joining a community steering group should contact Satnam Kaur Khalsa on 020 8577 3148 or send an email to her at satnamkaurkhalsa@blueyonder.co.uk

Related Links:

London's Fairtrade City bid - March 2003

Camden - August 2004

Croydon - February 2003

Kingston - February 2005

Fairtrade Foundation